Facilities
Our compost eco toilets are nestled under the trees very close to the yurts, they are charming wooden structures that sit easily within the landscape and through open windows give a private view of the hills.
Each yurt has its own private shower and wash facilities. These are covered but open to the sights and sounds of the surrounding wildlife whilst remaining private. Indeed, a very refreshing “safari style” shower, with which to invigorate yourself. These are low impact and eco-mindful and are built using local timber and recycled materials. They are a clean, functional, stylish and a fun way of maintaining a connection with the environment that will certainly add to your experience.
The Attic Room has an en suite bathroom but does not have access to kitchen facilities.
There is free wifi connection on site.
What to bring
We provide all bedding and towels (not including beach towels) to keep your load lighter.
We also provide all the basic cooking equipment.
Even during the spring and summer months, it is advisable to bring a light raincoat and a warm jumper as it can be cool in the late evening at the beginning and end of the Summer season. Check out average temperatures and rainfall here.
It is a good idea to bring a torch as night lighting is limited – best for night sky watching!
Please note that the paths around O Homem Verde can be a little uneven with steps reaching down to the yurts.
Things you might need:
- Portuguese phrasebook
- Suncream
- Torch
- Beach towels for river swimming
- Personal hygiene products
Shops
The closest shops are in Espinhal 7 km away. There you can find small grocery shops, pharmacy, cafe and hardware shop.
The nearest supermarket is between Espinhal and Penela in a shopping center called Penela center.
From Monday to Saturday a bread van passes by around 10:30am (11:30am on Saturdays). It sells fresh bread and cakes. Look out for the beeping white van.
Apart from breakfast, we do not offer meals but there are plenty of nice restaurants nearby. Note that both yurts have their own private kitchen areas, but the attic room does not have access to kitchen facilities.
Nearby restaurants
Xisto Restaurante Loucainha – Less than 5 min by car (3 km), this restaurant is located at the Loucainha natural swimming pools. Xisto Restaurante is open for lunch from Tuesday to Sunday and dinner Saturdays only. Advance booking is necessary (phone: +351 239012296).
Vita Salus – Ten min by car, Vita Salus serves vegan lunches in their communal dining area. Advance booking is necessary (phone: +351 239 098 747).
IN ESPINHAL – around 10 min drive away:
Quinta da Cerca – Local restaurante serving grilled Portuguese food. Contact +351 239 042 931
IN PENELA – around 15 min drive away:
ViRiDi – small cafe/restaurante with outside seating area serving Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, and Vegan Options. Menu includes pancakes, wraps, a variety of salads, soup, natural juices, etc… It is just next to the amazing Roman themed children’s playground, in Penela town, by the market area.
D. Sesnando – a restaurant with a nice outside area overlooking Penela town and the surrounding hills. Serves quality, traditional, regional food. Closes Tuesdays.
O Pastor – quality regional food, located in the locality of Pastor on the main road between Espinhal and Penela.
Varandas do Castelo – very affordable restaurant near the market area in Penela town, with a traditional, cozy atmosphere.
IN MIRANDA DO CORVO – around 20 min drive away:
Currylicious– Authentic Indian Curries. Contact +351 924 770 980
Restaurante Rural Equitare– Fusion of Spanish and Portuguese traditional cuisine. Contact +351 961 690 504
Restaurante Museu da Chanfana– traditional cuisine restaurant, open every day.
IN VIAVAI – around 20 min drive away:
Taverna Viavai – Asian and Western cuisine freshly cooked, in an informal atmosphere. The restaurant is open Thursday lunchtime through Sunday lunchtime. Lunch 12-2pm. Dinner 6-8pm. Advance booking recommended – phone +351 925 174 406.
SCHIST VILLAGE RESTAURANTS – around 30-40 min drive away:
Varanda do Casal – restaurant serving quality regional food, located in Casal de S. Simao, a refurbished schist village, very close to the beautiful river beach, Fragas de S. Simão.
Patio do Xisto, located in Gondramaz, a schist village in a beautiful location with a true sense of mountain isolation. Booking recommended – phone +351 919 759 877
O Burgo – restaurant in the heart of Serra da Lousa, set in an old water mill, overlooking the natural swimming pools of Sra da Piedade.
Ti Lena – set in the Schist Village of Talasnal in the Serra da Lousa, this restaurant and its surroundings offer a magical experience. Advance bookings only – phone 911 932 948.